Apple is reportedly preparing to introduce advertisements to its Maps app.
Using Apple Maps just to get directions might look a bit different soon. Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman reports that Apple could begin showing ads in its Maps app as early as next year. While it won’t be as annoying as unskippable YouTube ads, Apple plans to give restaurants and businesses that pay for it better visibility on Maps. Many people are used to seeing ads for specific spots on Google Maps or Yelp while searching for new places to go.
Apple May Be Exploring Ways to Add Ads to Multiple Platforms
However, Gurman said that Apple plans to use AI to provide more accurate search results and a smoother interface than Google Maps. The arrival of ads across Apple’s iOS system shouldn’t come as a surprise, since Gurman already reported Apple’s interest back in 2022. In addition, Apple already sells ad spaces in the App Store, allowing developers to pay for better visibility in user searches. Beyond the Maps app, Apple may also be exploring ways to include advertisements across several of its other platforms, such as News, Books, and Podcasts. This move would allow the company to expand its advertising presence, reach a wider audience through its ecosystem of apps, and ultimately increase its overall revenue from digital services.
It Looks Very Similar To The Sponsored Results In The App Store
According to reports, Apple’s decision to introduce ads into Maps is part of a broader strategy to increase its services and advertising income, especially as iPhone hardware sales begin to weaken. Apple is expected to sell ad placements to local businesses such as restaurants, cafés, and shops, allowing them to appear at the top of location searches, much like the sponsored results that already exist in the App Store. Initial versions might feature promoted pins on the map, enhanced business profiles, and sponsored results that appear when users search for items such as “pizza” or “pharmacy.”
